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A 1.4-liter, 4-cyl. variable-displacement engine was developed as an optional powerplant for a subcompact passenger car. In order to maximize its fuel saving effects, incorporated in the engine are unique valve deactivation devices which are electrically controlled and activated by means of engine oil. Several measures were taken to assure smooth cylinder switching and to cope with the problems caused by reducing the number of operating cylinders from 4 to 2. Thus without deteriorating the driveability, nearly 20% reduction of fuel consumption in the Japanese 10-Mode Cycle was achieved by this engine.

A new combustion system - called MCA-JET- has been developed to improve combustion under the low speed, low load conditions typical of urban driving. Engines with this new system incorporate a special “jet valve”, in addition to the inlet and exhaust valves of the conventional combustion chamber, which directs air or a super-lean mixture towards the spark plug, and induces a strong swirling flow in the cylinder. This swirl persists during the compression and expansion processes, moves the mixture spirally and helps the flame to propagate. As a result, the combustion of lean mixtures, including those with exhaust gas recirculation, can be carried out rapidly and thus the fuel economy improved.